Experience the black grouse courtship from very close by, from a comfortable photography hide. The sun is about to set while you and your guide, on the swamp surrounded by pine trees, continue your way to the hide from where you can admire the impressive spectacle of the black grouse courtship the next morning. The spacious and comfortable hide where you will spend the night is suitable for 4 people and gives you the chance to observe and photograph numerous black grouse without disturbing them.
You will do this!
- Observe the black grouse courtship from up close
- Spend the night in a comfortable hide
- Be awakened by the songs of countless bird species
- Enjoy good food and drinks while waiting in the nice and warm hide
After you have installed yourself in the photography hide, the spring chorus of thrushes and robins provides an atmospheric, peaceful evening. In the distance you can already hear the cackling of the grouse that perform a soft evening show. You fall asleep with the sounds of nature, perhaps even with the call of the boreal owl. You will be awakened by trumpeting cranes or whooper swans. Even before dawn you can only hear the call of the grouse getting stronger, then it’s time to take action and observe this unique spectacle from close by.
Practical information
For whom: This activity suits anyone who is a nature lover and/or a birder. Ambitious photographers and filmmakers also get their money’s worth.
Period: The black grouse hide can be booked every day from 1 April to 15 May. Beginning of April you have a good chance to photograph the grouse in the snow. If very cold temperatures do not appeal to you, May is a better option.
Time: You will be guided to the hide at around 6 pm and stay in the hide until the late morning of the following day. You will only leave the photography hide once the courtship has finished, so as not to disturb the birds.
Meeting point: Church of Fläckebo or Shell gas station in Västerås, both located in the province of Västmanland an hour and a half to two hours north-west of Stockholm.
Photography hide: The well-insulated 6 x 3 meter hide is equipped with 2 bunk beds, a toilet and heating. Four lens openings are placed beneath the front windows. While seated in seats, covered with comfortable sheepskin, in the cozy warmth, an average of 5 to 10 male black grouse steal the show, usually no further than 20 to 30 meters from the hide. Ambitious photographers can settle themselves in camouflaged tents, placed on wooden platforms, to get closer to the birds in the morning. The hide stands on a piece of bog in the nature area of Svartådalen (Black River Valley) in the province of Västmanland. The forest surrounding the bog is part of an area of 750 km2 that is only crossed with gravel roads or dirt tracks and very few human settlements. The risk of human disturbance is therefore small and the abundance of wild animals large.
Accessibility: The guide will accompany you across the bog to the hide, the walk is about 400 meters. Waterproof boots are a must!
Price: 2850 SEK / person: the price includes transport to the hide from the meeting point, guidance in English, bed linen, packed dinner, breakfast package and the use of slippers, comfortable chairs covered with sheepskin, blankets, candles, matches and a flashlight. Max. 4 participants.
To bring along: Warm clothing (layers), suitable warm and waterproof boots, camera with charged battery, tripod with ball head, binoculars, head lamp, bottle of water and a towel.
Booking: Contact me via e-mail sylvia@amazingscandinavia.com or by phone +46 (0)70 230 68 70
This activity takes place in the wild, meaning that although you will be visiting the location where these animals live, no guarantees can be given as to what you will get to see/photograph.
